Pages

Friday, July 08, 2016

Nihiwatu Voted #1 Hotel in The World by Travel + Leisure Magazine

Indonesia’s Hidden Gem Is the New Luxury for Travelers in Search of
Activity-Driven Experiences, Unregulated Freedom, and Unlimited Fun

Mamole Tree House

Nihiwatu on the island of Sumba
in Indonesia is the number one hotel in the world, voted by Travel + Leisure
readers globally for it’s annual World’s Best Awards, the magazine announced
today, July 7, 2016.

The recognition acknowledges the
changing travel habits of today’s consumer who seeks a new type of luxury: experiential
in scope, activity-driven, cultural, philanthropic, and with attention to the
details that encourage guests to discover the very best adventure, immersion,
and fun.

“Hospitality-centric luxury has
changed,” said Nihiwatu owner Chris Burch. “It is more than just the finer
touches. It has evolved to a custom itinerary, a personal journey, unexpected
experiences, and a curiosity for the unknown. We have been extremely fortunate
to exceed everything we set out to deliver with the Nihiwatu concept.”

The Millennial traveler has
accelerated this approach. Having grown up in a world of technology where
travel is easier than in previous generations, they are taking full advantage
to travel the globe in search of new experiences according to the WYSE Travel
Confederation New Horizons Study.

“This is a proud moment for
Nihiwatu, the people of Sumba and Indonesia. We have stretched our imaginations
beyond the common perception of paradise and created a destination of
geographic opulence and unregulated freedom that allows guests to thrive at the
edge of wildness,” added Nihiwatu Managing Partner James McBride. “From the
wellness of yoga high above the trees to hiking with water buffalo, it is at
once serene and unexpectedly thrilling.”

Re-imagined and re-opened in
2015, Nihiwatu has quickly captivated travelers from all corners of the world.
On the remote island of Sumba in southeastern Indonesia—the size of the state
of Massachusetts and only a 50-minute flight from Bali—the once cult surf
destination with it’s own popular, private wave was acquired by Burch in
association with hotelier James McBride in 2012 and developed into a culturally
immersive enclave of equal parts active adventure and endless indulgence, in an
exotic and authentic setting. Amongit’s unique and idyllic features:

A professional equestrian center
for sunset beach rides, mountain excursions, and horsemanship

Puncak Villa at Sunset

Maintaining its deep-rooted
philosophy, and through the generosity of Burch, a portion of Nihiwatu’s
profits are now repatriated into the Sumba Foundation established by Nihiwatu
founder Claude Graves, and Sean Downs 2001. With the enthusiastic support of
hotel guests, Nihiwatu is a philanthropic vehicle dedicated to fostering
community-based projects. During their stay, guests are introduced to the
Foundation’s efforts through an impactful presentation and short film. Many
guests subsequently become benefactors to the Foundation. The result is a rare
collaboration between a resort and its local community that today co-exist with
compelling interdependence: the resort has become the biggest employer on the
island and the Sumba Foundation gives back to the local communities. Over the
last fourteen years, the Foundation has set up four medical clinics, and has
developed over 100 water wells and water stations. The Foundation currently
feeds young children in a malnutrition program, and has refurbished and
supported 15 primary schools and provides lunch for over 1,000 schoolchildren
twice a week.

Nihiwatu is enthusiastically
planning expansion of the brand to further realize opportunities grounded in
its doctrine, “The Edge of Wildness.” Soon, the expansion of Nihi Resorts will
include the current model of a luxury resort that emphasizes ultimate services
and endless experiences; and the addition of a larger, less expensive format
that the millennial traveler can enjoy on a similar, more cost-efficient level.

“The location is hyper critical
for the growth of Nihi,” said Burch. “We will only advance the brand in very
special ways so that guests discover something truly extraordinary. It is an
experience like no other, and we are committed to keeping it that way.”

For more information, visit www.nihi.comand @nihiwatu on Facebook and
Instagram.